How many votes are needed

How the voting works

Over the next three days, the Senate will hold at least five votes needed to pass its healthcare bill. Substantive votes on the legislation require a simple majority of 51 senators. Votes to limit debate, however, require a three-fifths majority of 60.

Today, 7 a.m. Eastern time Vote to adopt a 383-page package of amendments that constitute the body of the bill. The package contains the compromises that are crucial to gaining enough support for passage. Needed: 51 votes

Vote to limit debate on an amendment to graft the Senate bill onto an existing House bill for parliamentary reasons. Needed: 60 votes

Wednesday, 1 p.m. Eastern time Vote to accept the combining of the Senate bill and the existing House bill. Needed: 51 votes

Vote to limit debate on the underlying bill. Needed: 60 votes

Thursday, 7 p.m. Eastern time Final vote on the bill. Needed: 51 votes